Swedish Statement at the UN Security Council Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria

Swedish statement delivered by Ambassador Carl Skau on behalf of Sweden at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria, 29 October 2018, New York.

Mr. President,

Let me express my deepest condolences to the people and Government of Indonesia for the plane crash this morning.

Mr. President,

Kuwait has already spoken also on behalf of Sweden as co-penholders. But having listened to the interventions this morning I wanted to take the floor to highlight a number issues where I hear broad convergence of positions around the table. Fortunately, these areas of convergence also overlap with the five asks put forward this morning by USG Lowcock.

First, respect for humanitarian principles and International Humanitarian Law, including access to Rukban and other hard to reach areas, as well as protection of civilians, including in Deir al-Zour and more generally protection of hospitals and health facilities and schools. This also relates to the importance of independent needs assessment and monitoring as highlighted by the USG.

Second, sustained implementation of the Russian-Turkish agreement on ceasefire in Idlib, preventing a humanitarian catastrophe.

Third, and also in light of the above, renew the modalities in 2165 on humanitarian access to ensure continued delivery to more than 3 million civilians in Idlib and across the north of Syria.

Finally, we all seem to agree that the humanitarian situation can only be improved by achieving progress on the political track, though a political solution based on 2254.

We hope that members of this Council can now come together around these points in a serious and united effort to alleviate the enormous suffering in Syria.